Podcast Title: I'll Read What She's Reading
Episode: Book Talk w/ ALLY CARTER
Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this engaging episode of "I'll Read What She's Reading," hosts Mikayla, Reggie, and Kennedy welcome bestselling author Ally Carter as their special guest. The conversation kicks off shortly after the introductory advertisements, delving straight into Ally's journey as an author and her deep connection with her readers.

Mikayla introduces Ally by highlighting her impact:

"We actually had The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year as our December book club book." [00:52]

Ally expresses her gratitude and excitement about reconnecting with her readers:

"It just is so incredible. It's amazing to see the incredible people that you guys have all turned into." [02:05]

From Reluctant Reader to Bestselling Author

Ally Carter shares her unique path to becoming an author. Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma with a mother who was an English teacher, books were a significant part of her childhood. Interestingly, Ally identifies as a reluctant reader, often critically analyzing books rather than immersing herself in them wholeheartedly.

A pivotal moment came in middle school when she read "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton:

"I immediately was like, oh, well, that's what teenage girls from Oklahoma do—is write books." [02:36]

This inspiration led her to pursue writing, despite a practical career in agricultural economics. A persistent inner voice urged her to follow her passion, culminating in her decision to return to writing full-time.

Transitioning from Young Adult to Adult Fiction

Ally discusses the seamless transition from her beloved Gallagher Girls series to adult fiction. She emphasizes the joy of seeing her readers grow alongside her characters, fostering a deep bond between author and audience.

"What I always kept coming back to with kids is they always think about rewriting as I'm going to find typos... but that's not what rewriting is." [15:19]

Writing Philosophy and Process

Ally Carter's writing philosophy centers around creating fast-paced, page-turning novels that simultaneously advance plot, character development, and world-building. She passionately believes that every scene should serve multiple purposes, avoiding stagnation and maintaining reader engagement.

"If a scene is not doing like two or three things, at least it needs to be advancing either the character or the plot or the world." [12:02]

Her approach includes:

• Dual Timelines and Perspectives: Particularly in her upcoming book, "Blonde Who Came in from the Cold," which utilizes dual points of view and timelines to enrich the narrative.

  "So that's why we do have a lot of, you know, like mythology based and things like that." [07:22]

• Screenplay Foundations: Ally often drafts her novels as screenplays, focusing on scenes and dialogue, which helps in visualizing character interactions and plot progression.

  "I do my first drafts kind of as a screenplay because it's just the scenes and the dialogue." [54:25]

Discussion on Specific Works

"Blonde Identity" and "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" are highlighted as prime examples of Ally's ability to blend genres seamlessly. She elaborates on the intricacies of plotting and character development, ensuring that action and emotional depth are balanced.

"I really believe that books and plots should be able, and authors should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time." [11:23]

Regarding her upcoming book, "Blonde Who Came in from the Cold," Ally provides a tantalizing glimpse into its dual-timeline structure, emphasizing character depth and intricate plotting.

"So you're getting the information about what happened in their past, both the... Both on the mission standpoint." [47:44]

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Ally offers invaluable advice for those looking to break into the writing industry:

1. Read and Write Extensively:

   "Read as much as you can and write as much as you can." [15:46]

2. Embrace Rewriting: Understanding the distinction between proofreading and rewriting is crucial. Ally highlights her strength in rewriting, encouraging writers to view their first drafts as just the beginning.

3. Stay True to Your Vision: Despite industry trends, Ally advises writers to focus on crafting stories they themselves want to read.

"Just write the book that you wish were on shelves because that's the... someone else who wants to read it." [14:53]

Fan Reactions and Impact

Ally expresses heartfelt appreciation for her fans, noting how her books have influenced readers' career choices and aspirations. She shares anecdotes of fans pursuing careers in the FBI and other security-related fields, attributing their inspiration to her novels.

"I have a friend who hadn't read Blonde. I didn't... Do me a favor, read this first. Tell me if it makes sense." [18:42]

Visualization and Fan Casting

The conversation touches on how Ally visualizes her characters, often imagining real actors to bring them to life. She shares her thoughts on potential fan casts for her books, adding a personal touch to her character development process.

"I almost always will have somebody in mind... Like, Chris Heavens was a little too..." [38:24]

The hosts share their excitement about fan casting, validating Ally's choices and discussing how character visualization enhances the storytelling experience.

Current Projects and Personal Interests

Ally discusses her current projects, including the highly anticipated "Blonde Who Came in from the Cold," set for release on August 5th. She elaborates on the challenges and creative processes involved in writing the book, emphasizing its dual-timeline and dual-point-of-view structure.

Additionally, Ally shares personal interests and upcoming endeavors, such as a Viking river cruise to Christmas markets, which serves as a delightful distraction from her writing marathon.

"We are actually going on a Viking river cruise in December to the Christmas markets. Oh, my God." [57:41]

Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors and Optimism

As the episode concludes, Ally expresses optimism about the future of her writing career, including potential movie adaptations of her works. She remains hopeful despite the challenges of the publishing industry, emphasizing her commitment to writing stories that resonate with readers.

"I would love to see it happen. So I'm open to it." [32:40]

Closing Remarks

The hosts express their excitement for Ally's new releases and her continuous impact on readers. Ally provides her contact information, encouraging listeners to connect through her website and social media platforms.

"If you want to make sure that you don't miss, you know, a tour date or something, then that's a great... And it's free." [60:11]

The episode wraps up with enthusiastic endorsements from the hosts, highlighting Ally Carter's unique contributions to the literary world and her dedicated relationship with her fanbase.

Notable Quotes

• Ally Carter on Writing Philosophy:
  "If a scene is not doing like two or three things, at least it needs to be advancing either the character or the plot or the world." [12:02]

• Ally Carter on Rewriting:
  "You're not gonna just kick the worries out of your brain and... do the best you can." [17:11]

• Ally Carter on Staying True to Her Vision:
  "Just write the book that you wish were on shelves because that's the... someone else who wants to read it." [14:53]

• Ally Carter on Fan Impact:
  "They picked it up because they had kind of a natural interest." [35:13]

• Ally Carter on Visualization:
  "I almost always will have somebody in mind... Like, Chris Heavens was a little too." [38:24]

This episode offers a deep dive into Ally Carter's creative mind, her dedication to storytelling, and her enduring relationship with her readers. Whether you're a budding writer or an avid reader, Ally's insights provide both inspiration and practical advice, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone passionate about literature.